Arshdeep Singh will likely make his first forays into Test cricket with the selectors set to include him in the India squad vs England. The left-arm pacer has been a constant in T20Is, but now makes the jump to red ball cricket with the Men in Blue. Given the team is entering a phase of transition with the India vs England series, the selectors seem to view Arshdeep as an all-format asset going forward.
Arshdeep Singh set for India call up for England Tests
Arshdeep Singh is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, and the left-arm pacer is now set to make the jump to the longest format of the game. As per reports, Singh is being considered for the India vs England series starting next month. The selectors have concerns regarding the workload of Jasprit Bumrah and form of Mohammed Shami. The likes of Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Harshit Rana and even Prasidh Krishna have failed to nail down a clear spot in the XI.
Which brings the selectors to Arshdeep Singh. The 26-year-old brings in variety to the attack, adding a left-arm angle to India’s right-hand dominated attack. Arshdeep’s ability to move the ball both ways will be an asset in swinging conditions in England. The PBKS pacer could be a perfect foil to Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, able to bowl with both the new and the old ball. He has had a stint with Kent in the County Championship, meaning he is no stranger to the Dukes ball.
How has Arshdeep Singh fared in red ball cricket?
It is no secret that Arshdeep Singh has made a name for himself in the shortest format of the game. He’s India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 99 wickets in just 63 matches. His commitments in IPL and Indian cricket mean that there isn’t a whole lot of red ball cricket the left-arm pacer has played. In 21 First Class matches, the 26-year-old has 66 wickets, averaging 30.37. During his stint at Kent in division 1, he picked up 13 wickets.
Speaking to Cricket.com in 2023, Arshdeep Singh outlined his Test cricket ambitions. He added hat the County Stint with Kent, though difficult made him a better bowler.
After the Kent stint, I played ODIs in South Africa and I got good results for hitting those hard lengths and got the ball to move around a bit. A lot of credit goes to the BCCI as well, who pushed me to take up the county stint and that helped me improve my skills with the red ball as well. Growing up, you always dream of playing (in Tests) for the country. Winning a World Cup is also a target that a youngster sets for himself. I do dream of donning the whites and bowling with that red cherry,” he said.
How would India’s attack look with Arshdeep Singh in the mix?
Arshdeep Singh would slot in as the 3rd pace option with doubts over Mohammed Shami’s form and fitness. The veteran has struggled since his long injury layoff. Hnce, the selectors are debating his inclusion in the India vs England series. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are certainties with Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Akash Deep likely to be among options. Arshdeep has been in BCCI’s radar for a while and his left-arm angle could see him pip his competition.
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